Every aspect of marketing is evolving. Marketing experts are in a constant race to keep up-to-date with the latest technological tools. But, no field of marketing has evolved as much as event marketing. Event promotion experts across the globe are still adjusting to the new, post-pandemic landscape.
Promoting events in this new landscape isn’t too complicated. But, the different options that event managers have in this era can make things confusing. Host in-person events, virtual get-togethers, or “hybrid” events, i.e., a mix of both in-person and virtual? All three types of events are important and can be successful as long as they’re promoted properly.
Promoting events online won’t require you to break the bank either. That’s why optimizing your online event promotion channels is a must in this post-pandemic era. Not sure how to leverage online resources to boost your events’ chances of success? Here are 10 easy-to-implement steps to help you promote your events online –
1. Make the Most of Facebook
Facebook recently stated that public events on the platform attract 35 million viewers every day. Brands must capitalize on this reach. Don’t worry – the targeting features on Facebook Event Pages are incredibly easy to use. Find your niche, create a Facebook Event page, and invest in Facebook’s Event Ads plan.
Here’s a small breakdown of Facebook Events and how brands can use them to promote their events/campaigns.
- Create a Facebook Event via your business page (in-person or virtual). Select the right event category (e.g., business conference, concert, festival, etc.).
- Describe what your event’s about, time, branded images, and make regular marketing posts. Use an HD cover photo. Pick a short, easy to pronounce event name. Invite friends using the “Invite” button on the page.
- Fill the ‘About’ section on your page with keywords and event-related details. Use the “Discussion” feed on the page to create a discussion around the event.
- Start promoting the event by creating ads directly on your Event page (or via your original business page). Click the “Promote” option on the top right of the event page.
- Use the “Boost an Event” option to specify the details of your Facebook event promotion campaign. Fill in details such as – the audiences you aim to target, Facebook ad budget, duration of the event promotion campaign, etc. Click “Boost Now” to launch your campaign.
Don’t forget 98% of Facebook’s users access the platform via smartphones. Optimize your Events Page for mobile owners. Use mobile-friendly images, emojis, etc. Make sure your Facebook event admins publish posts on the events page or respond to customer queries via smartphones.
Use as many tools on Facebook, including Facebook Live to delight your target audiences. Track your Facebook event page’s progress. Use those insights to better understand your audiences.
2. Make Your Event “Find-Able” on Google
Many people discover local events via Google. To make your event “findable” on Google, use relevant keywords in your event description pages. Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner to find relevant keywords for your niche. Include them on your event’s website, the event’s social media pages, etc. Having SEO experts in your event planning team makes this step easier.
3. Make the Most of Active Event Communities
The beauty of promoting events online is mobility. All major cities have active communities interested in the types of events you’re hosting. Reach out to them online, invite them, share your event details with them, and request them to spread the word.
If you’re having trouble finding “event-heads” in your niche, check out the Event Always’ events listing platform. Find details about the best corporate events, brand conferences, exhibitions, concerts, etc., on our event-listing website.
4. Make the Most of Your Email
Contrary to belief, people still signup for email campaigns and newsletters, especially if they involve exciting, upcoming events. The way you approach your email invites needs to be strategic, however. One mistake and your event-related emails will end up in the spam section.
- Send out well-crafted official invitations to target audiences on your email list.
- Include links to landing pages where guests can signup for the event in advance.
- Make sure your invitation covers key event details – location, website, how the attendees will benefit from attending, etc.
Keep your event invites brief and to the point. If the contents of the mail are valuable and the event interesting enough, people follow your newsletter.
5. Create Event Website
This step is almost mandatory for both in-person and digital events. Unique event websites make it easy for potential attendees to access event information. Add ticket buying options and FAQ sections to make the website appealing. Share the URLs of your event website on email invites, social media pages, and everywhere else.
6. Partner with Industry Influencers
Partnering with the top Internet influencers in your niche can give your events massive boosts. “Influencers” have strong communities of followers that they can introduce to your brand and community. Hire them as speakers or sponsors. They’ll drive up attendance numbers and make the event more exciting.
7. Make Ticket Sales as Convenient as Possible
Smart event promoters use strategic ticket pricing to hype up their events. So, integrating offers like – “early bird discount” or “VIP section passes” into your promotional campaign is very important. These subtle steps create buzz on the internet.
8. Two Months Before the Event – Start Notifying Your Attendees
The best way to promote any event continues to be word-of-mouth marketing. Leverage this technique by requesting your attendees to spread the word about the event. Generate shares on social media via your attendees. Ask people to tweet your event’s hashtags. The last two months before the event are crucial. Intensify your outreach during this period.
9. One Month Before the Event – Get Everything Organized
Host regular sit-downs with fellow organizers. Finalize the promotion channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., you’ll use to broadcast the event. Intensify social media outreach, post blogs about the event, post interviews with participants, etc. All these steps will keep reminding people about your upcoming event.
10. On the Day of the Event and Beyond – Start Improving
Gather as much data about your event as possible using tools like Google Analytics. Review what groups of audiences bought the most tickets, your most effective marketing channels, and attendee opinions on the event.
Partner with Event Always if you want to scale your event. We’ll help your event rank among the most exciting events in the world.